Late-winter is the precarious season on a farm, all on balance between hope and disaster. A race for fresh growth against dwindling stores of forage. Early blooming peaches and plums gamble against a late hard-freeze. Bees venture out in search of pollen sources, fighting against the clock in the starvation time of the year. Cabbages and greens go in the ground, while I scan the fields for early dandelion shoots for our salad. Chicks peep loudly in the brooder. The post office calls at seven, one morning, to say more have arrived. A hen sets on a dozen eggs in the sheep hay manger. Every week we load up and cart off hogs and lambs to the butcher for customers, making room for more on this land. Precarious, a roll of the dice, a preamble to the really busy time that comes with Spring.
the bee listener
an ever changing road sign
vantage points
access points
a well house that doubles as a smokehouse
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Reading this weekend:Â Craeft: An inquiry into the origins and true meaning of traditional crafts.
We’re all seem to be in it right now, that moment when the year turns on the light.
I had a useless, prolonged period of agony because of the trees lost in the storms, but no more – better things to do now!
The trees have assumed their intended shape through the medium of secateurs, the last have been moved to their new locations today, greens have been seeded (late, but to be excused), and I shall be tackling the problem of flying weed barriers next week.
And oh, when I’m done with the outside I’m watching Messrs Zietsman and Elizondo. Just wonderful:
Flying weed barriers? Pruning skills can easily travel across the ocean, feel free.
Indeed; I can send you the definitive book on those gracious yet plump trees if you like.
Weed barriers are covering the alleys right now. And are a thing of plump yet gracious beauty. Until a high wind comes along.
Nice well/smoke house. Is it relatively new? Build it yourself?
Been around for years. But, it is recently painted. I don’t think it was when you visited.